Beauty Editors Blog May 2009

Welcome to my Boots.com blog!

On my blog I’ll be posting my thoughts, sharing my beauty inspirations, waxing lyrical about products I’ve been trying, giving you the skinny on the ‘coming soon’ launches and revealing some of the advice the experts have been sharing with me. For the benefit of you readers I’m going to try and upscale my beauty routine (I’m embarrassingly, hideously, low maintenance) and report back, so you know I’m practising what I preach.

See you soon!

Katie x

FitFlopping my way to a better bod:

A while ago I was given some Fitflops to try. Now, if you're the type who knows their stuff in the world of fitness (and latest fads), you'll know that Fitflops have been causing a stir across the globe for the past couple of years. They look like a slightly built-up version of any normal flip-flop - except with the added bonus of apparently being able to improve posture, firm and tone your gluteal muscles (that's your bum and thighs, folks), minimise back stress, burn calories and improve core muscle strength. Phew. Flip-flops and a personal trainer in one, it seems.

My pair are the black and white, 'Walkstar I's'. If I had the choice though, I would have plumped for the new style Walkstar III's. They're daintier, shinier, and they come in a range of gorgeously juicy colours with imaginative, happy names such as 'Jelly Lemon' and 'Jelly Strawberry'. My personal favourite is the pretty, lilac and white 'Jelly Blueberry' Walkstar III. Perfect for summer and great with a tan, me thinks.

While it's sunny, I shall endeavour to wear my Fitflops everywhere - part in curiosity that this wonder-shoe can actually live up to its claims and part in sheer optimism (and total delusion) that my thighs will resemble that of Gwyneth Paltrow within a matter of days.

I'm hopeful about the former.

Jen x

17 Relaunch

Ooh I just love playing with make-up - especially when it's pretty, girly and gorgeous make-up such as the newly relaunched 17 range. A huge big box of it has found its way onto my desk and so the back of my hand currently looks like a multi-coloured array of splodges and smudges.

And I must say, the colours are really, really great. From deep purple metallic eye pencils to rich, juicy, raspberry red glosses, this range has it all. Inspired by the blue skies, rainbow coloured gondolas and vivid sunsets of Venice; the new 17 range is a big girls' treasure chest of bright, happy shades.

Experiment with shimmering mochas, eye-popping corals and bright, sea green aquas - it's a festival of colour and I can't wait to try it out (especially the absolutely gorgeous eyeshadow in Mardi Gras, it's the nicest shade I've seen in ages).

My faves:

• 17 High Gloss Polish in Pinking Shear: Sweet, sugary, babydoll pink nail varnish. It's going straight on my toes.



• 17 Lip Liner in Fawn: Harking back to the laid-back 70's look, this barely-there apricot shimmer would look truly fab with light lips and big, dreamy eyes.



• 17 Soft Liner Eye Pen in Black: Like a big felt tip pen, it makes feline flicks and wings SO easy to do.



• 17 Eye Shadow in Mardi Gras: A creamy, dusky, coffee brown with a hint of shimmer. It's my favourite product in the range - I'll be teaming it with the Lip Liner in Fawn. Can't wait!



Wanna see how the shoot went for the 17 relaunch? Check out the 'behind the scenes' video here.

Jen x






Festival essentials: stocking up early

Guest Beauty Blog: Thursday 28th May


The official Glastonbury 2009 line-up was announced a few days ago - and boy oh boy - am I excited. I am however, a little less excited about the prospect of having to endure 5 days without a shower. Lord knows how I'm going to cope. Luckily, I'm somewhat of a festival veteran so I know exactly what to take (unlike my friend Natalie who, bless her heart, has no idea what she's letting herself in for). Here's my foolproof guide to 'festival must-haves' - and I'm getting them soon before they all run out!



Boots Cucumber Face Wipes: they're cheap, you get plenty in a pack and when you're not feeling all that fresh, the cucumber smell serves as a fantastic pick-me-up for even the groggiest of faces.

Fuji Z33 Rockchick Pink 3m Waterproof Digital Camera - bright pink and splash proof. My perfect festival camera.

Rimmel 100% Waterproof Mascara - a no-nonsense mascara for the possible onslaught of rain (or if I catch sight of the gorgeous Damon Albarn).

Carex 'No Water' Hand Gel with Aloe Vera - because you don't want to be eating your delicious burger with muddy 'festival hands'. Trust me.

Lee Stafford Dry Shampoo - the best dry shampoo around in my opinion, purely because it smells amazing.

Celia Birtwell Sunglasses - 50's inspired, glam shades. At least I can pretend to be famous behind these!

Makebelieve Fake Tan - My pale pins need a little helping hand when I'm rocking the wellies and denim shorts combo. This brand is my absolute fave - no dodgy smell and streak-free to boot.

Jen x





Gorgeous, sparkly hair and one very charming hairdresser...

Guest Beauty Blog: Wednesday 27th May


Lee Stafford is a legend. Star of Celebrity Scissorhands and winner of the Men's British Hairdresser of the Year award in 1997, he stormed the stage with 100 of his family and friends when he went to collect his award. He has since gone on to win many more awards, including Hair magazine's Hairdresser of the Year award in 2006. He is cool, laidback and very passionate about his products. I caught up with him to talk about his new range, Lee Stafford Colour Xtreme One Night Strand Sprays. 9 temporary colours in a range of bright shades - you can spray the tips of your hair (it looks really effective), pop multi-coloured strands from roots to ends for a rave revival look or for a subtle glam shimmer, use one of the gold or silver glitter sprays.

So, Lee - tell us about your new range, Colour Xtreme One Night Strand Sprays?

"Well, we've got pinks, blacks, blues, greens, reds, purples, whites - everything. We've also got some really subtle ones like sparkly silver and gold, which are really lovely, especially if you go out clubbing. It's great to have a little bit of sparkle on a night out."

Who can wear Colour Xtreme One Night Strand Sprays?

"It could suit anyone. From Halloween to a football match - even fancy dress. There's no one that can't use it. For girls going out clubbing, it's great just to spruce up your hair. The great thing about them is you're not committed because it washes out, so you can have fun with it. If you have dark hair, you can put an undercoat of white on first, then spray it any colour you like."

And finally, what are your must-have products for great hair this summer?

"My Beach Babe Sea Salt Spray. There are so many sea sprays out there, but they tend to go a bit sticky. This one doesn't, and it smells gorgeous too. It's all about matte hair this season. Also, the Climate Control range is a must - especially the Climate Control Protection Spray which will protect against the sun and chlorine."

Jen x





Beauty blog signs out: wedding approaching

Saturday 23rd May
I'm off to get married now (well, on Tuesday anyway), so will now leave you in the very capable hands of Jen, our Junior Beauty Writer. I'll be back in just over a week, when I return from my mini-moon. Expect full hair, make-up and spa reports to follow soon. Katie x





Beauty blog: 4 days and counting...

Friday 22nd May
I'm waxed, manicured and pedicured (my Nails Inc 3 Week Manicure & Pedicure is still holding out. Loving that Victoria Nail Polish), but there's still one hurdle to go: the self tan. And - oh lordy - I'm going against every piece of 'big event' tanning advice I've ever given and am doing it myself. Partly, ok mostly, because I didn't get round to organising a tan trial run with a local therapist. And better the devil you know, or so they say. My largest hurdle isn't actually getting a non-streaky result, as I trust my faithful St Tropez Whipped Bronzing Mousse, but exfoliating away the last signs of previous fake tan applications which, if left, can lead to a patchy result. For reasons unknown it clings to my skin; scrubbing it off isn't as simple as it sounds. Especially around my underarms. But since Wednesday I've been using Clinique's Turnaround Body Smoothing Cream, which munches away at old skin. Teamed with a flannel - which I recommend for good sloughing action - I should have the perfect canvass for a fake tan application this time tomorrow evening.






Jergens: hot from the USA

Thursday 21st May
Those of you who love a drugstore rummage on trips to the US may be familiar with Jergens Bodycare. It's the no.1 bodycare range in the States. Until it launched on boots.com earlier this month fans had to buy it abroad and bring it over, but no longer. Packed with plant-derived ingredients and made without parabens, there are four types of body moisturiser: the Ultra Hydrating Body Moisturiser with jojoba oil, Extra Softening Body Moisturiser with shea butter, Skin Firming Body Moisturiser with pomegranate, and the Age Defying Body Moisturiser with green tea. I've been using the Ultra Hydrating Body Moisturiser and love the texture; really creamy but very quick to absorb. The tubes are very generous, the prices are seriously reasonable (around £4.88 for 200ml) and the formulations really do deliver.








Beauty blog: it's all about the lashes

Wednesday 20th May


I'm a tad obsessed with my eyelashes at the moment. Everywhere I look there's a celeb sporting a long, thick, luscious pair. The question is, are they naturally blessed, or are they faking it? Individual lashes (as opposed to full lash strips) from the likes of Eylure and Mister Mascara (which my bridesmaids will be wearing) are so good these days that if you're skilled in the application department, who's to tell? I'm going the extra mile with Flutter eyelash extensions for my wedding, but my worry is: how do I go cold turkey and go back to my 'civilian' eyelashes after a taste of the good stuff? I predict a new obsession with eyelash curlers and Max Factor False Lash Effect Mascara. Cheryl Cole, you have a lot to answer for.









DKNYMEN: liking it a lot

Tuesday 19th May


When it comes to fragrances, I'm picky. I'm not a huge fan of wearing florals and sweet fruit notes don't do it for me. Aside from the new summer scents I raved about earlier in the week, more often than not, I'm drawn to men's fragrances over women's. After a perfume profiling session with Guerlain several years ago - a thorough sit down with one of their fragrance experts to determine my 'perfect scent' with lots of questions and lots of blind fragrance sniffing - I realised my top picks were for all men's aftershaves. But while I liked the smell, I wasn't sure about actually smelling like a man myself - particularly after spending the train journey home (wearing my top pick of men's aftershave) wondering who the sexy man I could smell was...until I realised that the 'sexy man' was me. Yikes! Not quite what I had in mind, somehow.

Anyway, if you're in the market for a very nice new men's fragrance yourself, or know a man who is, I'm really impressed with the upcoming new launch from DKNY - DKNYMEN. Very cool silver, black and white box, seriously stylish bottle. Take a look - very sophisticated. It's weighty too, so feels the business. Thankfully the 'juice' doesn't disappoint either - spicy and cool with vetiver and cedarwood. Look out for it when it hits the shelves next month.






Which products do you rate?

Saturday 16th May


The great thing, for me, about this beauty blog is being able to share my thoughts on new beauty finds and old favourites. An insight into a product you're thinking of splashing out on is truly valuable - heck, that's what my job's all about! But don't just take my word for it, check out all the Ratings & Reviews on Boots.com. I've scanned the site and here's a selection of products making waves in the ratings and reviews department, all with glowing 5 star reviews:



Prada Infusion de Fleur d'Oranger - 5/5 Stars. memories of the south of France, says Artois:
This perfume takes me back to the heady days of Septmber on the Riviera when we gathered in a hotel by the meditterranean and smelled the orange blossom growing nearby and admired the tuberrose bouquets on the tables at my sister's wedding. A fresh twist on what could be seen as traditional perfume ingredients. Delightful - especially the neroli top notes.

St Tropez Every Day Perfect Legs - 5/5 Stars. troptastic says:Oh my god, I have just tried Perfect Legs and it really does work! Bronzed babe in seconds an so easy to use - love it!

Decleor Essential Balm - 5/5 Stars. Best night time skin product says Vawnie:
This balm is simply brilliant! It melts on contact with your skin and as you massage it in you feel that it is really doing your skin some good. This was recommended to me as I needed something moisturising and not too heavy AND I have sensitive skin - this 100% natural balm coped more than well with all my skin demands.




Neal's Yard Remedies Rose & Mallow Moisturiser - 5/5 stars. AMAZING! says Dixie:
I've been using this for just over a month now and its made a real difference to my skin! the redness has been calmed now and now i have really soft clear, and dare i say it - glowing skin! a great product - will definitely buy it again.

Trilogy Certified Organic Rosehip Oil - 5/5 stars. Nourishing Oil, says Pokka:
A few drops in my moisturiser, or beforehand, help to give me a glow which lasts a few days and keeps dryness at bay. Great product!

No7 Advanced Renewal Anti-Ageing Glycolic Peel - 5/5 stars. Amazing, says Roxy01:
Its like the do it yourself surgery free facial! Even my husband loved this product! Skin feels incredibly fresh, firm and more youthful!






Blog update: more summer scents

Friday 15th May


I'm still loving Estee Lauder's Bronze Goddess Eau Fraiche, but can't resist telling you about these three new summer fragrance finds that recently landed on my desk. Currently jostling for the top position:

Stella Sheer by Stella McCartney, which is a softer, lighter take on Stella McCartney's eponymous Stella scent. It's beautiful; a veil of so-subtle rose fragrance that oozes summer appeal.

The second is Prada Infusion de Fleur d'Oranger. Orange blossom, neroli and mandarin oil. Sophisticated is an understatement. It's just so beautifully crafted - one for you, if you get grumpy about perfume smelling 'samey'.

Lastly, it's Chanel Cristalle Eau Vert. A recent discovery, I've been sniffing this blend of honeysuckle, citrus and grass notes all day. It's fresh, breezy and a great day scent.






Wedding beauty panic: Nails Inc to the rescue

Thursday 14th May
I'm getting a week on Tuesday. It's slightly surreal. I feel like it's crept up on me and suddenly from nowhere I'm in a beauty panic. What if I get a spot? Coldsore? Swine flu? Luckily my nails are all sorted. For the last few weeks friends have been asking about them - what colour am I having? Who's doing them? Having given this not nearly enough thought, I turned to Nails Inc, who swiftly saved my bacon. I nipped in for the 3 Week Manicure and Pedicure treatment (where a UV lamp is used to set the special gel formula to the nail for a long-lasting result) last weekend and I love the result. One less thing to think about pre-wedding, and my nails look fantastic. I chose a natural shade for my fingers (try Nails Inc Elizabeth Street) and went for my favourite, deep red shade of Victoria on my toes. Gorgeous. Thank you, Nails Inc.





That holiday feeling

Wednesday 13th May
I've got that summer feeling. It has nothing to do with the weather and everything to do with Estee Lauder's Bronze Goddess Eau Fraiche fragrance. LOVE THIS. Imagine all your favourite summer holiday smells blended together for an instant holiday feeling. Warm skin, sun cream...this has the lot. It's like summer, bottled, and will take you back to all your favourite holiday memories, pronto. For that reason it's perched on my desk, primed and ready for action. Get your mitts on some and you'll be smiling all day.






Beauty blog: made for grey hair

Tuesday 12th May
This post is inspired by my mum who has been very sweetly badgering me for a while now to find her a good product for brightening grey hair. As any silver foxes reading probably know, grey and white hair can sometimes take on a yellowy hue. But back to the product: it's by Klorane and it's their Silver Highlights Shampoo which contains cornflower (used by Klorane for its anti-yellowing properties) to 'revive the brightness of white or grey hair.' My mother will be testing it and providing her feedback (although this may be news to her), which I shall post in a few weeks.






Beauty blog is back

Thursday 7th May
I'm back from my hen weekend, which included a video fest featuring classics such as Top Gun (well, you've got to, haven't you), and at least ten minutes marvelling at how Kelly McGillis, at the tender age of 28, managed to look at least 7 years older. The hair? The make-up? It was the 80s after all. As previously suspected, packets of giant buttons, maltesers, buckets of prosecco and (randomly) lemoncello are not a surprise recipe for clear skin. But on that note, I can confirm that the Estee Lauder Verite Cleanser did a quick job clearing away the irritating redness. Now I just need something for the diehard spots. Oh well, only two and a half weeks to kick my skin into shape. Wish me luck? or watch out for the next inevitable instalment; how to find your perfect concealer.





Guest Beauty Blog: 6th May

Me again folks! Whist Katie is away on her girly hen do, I am once again picking up the blog baton. My news? Well I am writing a feature about the new limited edition No7 summer collection at the moment and the products have just landed on my desk to try. The theme for this summer is Poolside Glamour so expect gorgeous tropical coral shades such as the High Shine Lip Gloss (coming soon) in Happy and the hugely on-trend Stay Perfect Lipstick in Tangerine Touch (wear with a fresh face and minimal eye make-up for true fashionista status).

My personal fave is the Metallic Eye Pencil in 'deep sea' Green. It glides on and gives an amazing hit of electric colour (plus it's waterproof too). I line my lower lash line with it then apply lashings of mascara for a sexy summer twist on the classic smoky eye look. And if I manage to get a tan this summer (real or fake), I shall be painting my nails with the oh-so desirable and mouth-wateringly gorgeous Nail Colour in Fuschia Pink (coming soon).

Keep an eye out for these ladies - they're all available at Boots and Boots.com from the 20th May. I guarantee you'll want them in your beach bag this summer.

Love Jen x





Lumps, bumps and more

Saturday 2nd May
My skin is staging a rebellion. An ugly one. Choosing its timing perfectly for maximum chaos - ie with just under 3 weeks left before my wedding - it has decided to throw a major tantrum. Having all the while been reasonably 'normal' for the last 5 months, now I'm blessed (ahem) with blotchiness, redness, a rash of tiny pimples, dryness and spots. Quite where this is heading, I'm not sure. But it's fair to say I'm worried. Today, in an attempt to calm the redness, I've used two products from Estee Lauder's range for sensitive skin, Verite, which I've never had need to try before - but heck, I've never really suffered with this kind of onslaught of redness, lumps and bumps. The products: Estee Lauder Veriter LightLotion Cleanser and Estee Lauder Verite Calming Fluid, both for sensitive skin. It's an understatement to say that I'm really hoping these two do the trick.

As a minor note, I'm off on my hen weekend today. Haribo Star Mix, an indecent number of Maltesers, and red wine...perhaps a surprise recipe for happy, gleaming skin? Perhaps not. So it's all down to Estee Lauder, then.





Sarah Brock: Miracle worker

Friday 1st May
Three cheers for Sarah Brock, make-up artist and Head of Make-Up Artistry for Daniel Sandler, who managed to work her magic on me last week at my wedding make-up trial, despite my 8 hours of insomnia the previous night. What an angel. At my trial I also got a sneak preview of two new Mister Mascara products courtesy of UR's lovely PR Lucy: Mister Mascara Individual Lashes (available instore) - very classy and sure to be a massive hit; if you're looking for a natural-looking result, individual lashes are the way forward - and the Mister Mascara Bedazzled Lash Duo (available instore): two sets of fabulous falsies, one pair, as the name suggests, encrusted with teeny jewels. Marvellous.